This past October, the Delta Air Lines Soccer Club celebrated a milestone with the 23rd annual Atlanta Airline Classic, bringing together airline employees, partners and friends for a weekend of spirited competition and community.
Since its inception in 1988, the tournament has united teams from across the system, fostering camaraderie and supporting charitable causes.
Beyond the competition, the Classic serves a greater purpose: proceeds from the event will fund the Delta Soccer Club’s 2025–2026 charitable initiatives, including donations to Camp Fiesta, global soccer clinics, and contributions to youth soccer programs in the Atlanta metro area.
This year’s event featured 16 teams and more than 225 participants, including six Atlanta-based squads, two from JFK, and one each from LAX, MSP, BWI, DTW, LGA, and CUN. Joining the lineup were teams from Southwest Airlines and American Eagle, underscoring the collaborative spirit of the airline community.
After two days of exciting matches, Cancun FC claimed the championship title, with Team No One Better Connects the Pitch (ATL) finishing as runner-up and Team BWI FC securing third place. Special recognition went to Team Purple Reign (MSP) for the Best Team Award, and Rafael Rodriguez of Cancun FC earned honors as Best Goalkeeper.
Our champions from this year’s competition: Cancun FC(CUN)
2025 AAC Golden Glove/Best Keeper: Rafael Rodriguez (Cancun FC)
Sponsors and Supporters
The success of this year’s tournament was made possible by generous sponsors and dedicated volunteers:
Main Event Sponsor: Delta and DTO MRO Services
(Special thanks to David Garrison, Joseph Eddy, Basil Papayoti, Michael Sandor, and Mitch Rife)
Platinum Sponsors: Jim N Nick’s (Crystal Leuty, Marketing Manager) and Founders Logistics (Cristhian Contador, President)
Silver Sponsor: Clayton County Lovejoy Soccer Complex
Delta Soccer Club Leadership Team: Paul Beresford, Ronald Leon, Jen-Lee Lin, Gerardo Garcia, and Rodney Simon
Post credit: Allison Hoskins (DAL – Global Communications) (Deltanet link)